What is Proloprim?

Proloprim and the generic alternative Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on their weight.
• If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
• For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
• Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: a certain type of anemia (due to folate deficiency), kidney disease, liver disease, vitamin deficiency (folate or folic acid), blood disorders (such as bone marrow suppression, G6PD deficiency), mineral imbalances (such as high level of potassium or low level of sodium in the blood).

Also be aware that:

• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
• Trimethoprim may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mineral imbalance (high potassium blood level) and allergic reactions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using trimethoprim. Trimethoprim may harm an unborn baby. It may lower your folic acid levels, increasing the risk of spinal cord defects. Check with your doctor to make sure you are taking enough folic acid. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. Trimethoprim passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, changes in taste, and headache may occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• New signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, pale skin, unusual tiredness, fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin), stiff neck, headache that doesn't go away, muscle weakness, extreme drowsiness, signs of low blood sugar (such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet).
• This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
• Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.
• Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
• Seizures
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What special dietary instructions should I follow?

A: Take trimethoprim on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if you experience nausea, you may take trimethoprim with food. Drink at least eight glasses of liquid (water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, milk, and fruit juice) every day.

Q: What should I do if I forget a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.